Loading Content...
Demographic Shifts in O'Neal Neighborhood: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The O'Neal neighborhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, currently presents as a Moderate Diversity community with a White plurality of 48% and a Black population of 34% as of 2022. The area has experienced demographic changes over the past decade, moving towards increased diversity. O'Neal is a relatively affluent neighborhood within Baton Rouge, with a median income of $75,423 in 2022, which is higher than the national median. The neighborhood's proximity to Louisiana State University likely influences its demographic and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, O'Neal has transitioned from a White Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood had a slight White Majority of 51%. By 2018, it had shifted to a White Plurality of 48%, with the Black population at 33%. This trend continued through 2022, maintaining the Moderate Diversity classification.
The Hispanic population in O'Neal has increased from 3% in 2013 to 9% in 2022. The Asian population has remained stable at around 4%, while those identifying as two or more races increased from less than 1% to 4% over the decade. These changes indicate that O'Neal is becoming a Transitional Community, moving towards greater diversity.
The demographic shifts in O'Neal have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income has shown overall growth, rising from $78,504 to $75,423, with some peaks and valleys. The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $92,919, coinciding with the lowest Black population percentage of 28% and the highest White percentage of 53% in recent years.
As the community has become more diverse, particularly with the increase in Hispanic and multiracial populations, the median income has generally remained high, suggesting that the neighborhood has maintained its economic status while becoming more inclusive.
The demographic changes in O'Neal reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas, particularly those near universities. The growth in the Hispanic population aligns with national patterns, as Hispanics have been one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the United States over the past decade.
The neighborhood's economic resilience, maintaining a high median income despite demographic shifts, is notable. This suggests that O'Neal may be attracting diverse, high-earning professionals, possibly connected to the university or other high-skill sectors in Baton Rouge.
The population fluctuations, with a peak of 9,943 in 2013 and settling at 9,622 in 2022, indicate a relatively stable community size. This stability, combined with increasing diversity and maintained economic strength, positions O'Neal as an attractive area within Baton Rouge that is successfully navigating demographic changes while preserving its economic character.
O'Neal exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a predominantly White community to one of increasing diversity, while maintaining its economic advantages. This evolution reflects broader national trends and suggests a dynamic community adapting to changing demographics while preserving its economic strengths.
